Hyperbaric Chamber Explosion: One Pleads No Contest

A tragic incident at an Oakland County health center ended a 5‑year‑old boy’s life when the hyperbaric chamber he was in blew up on Jan. 31, 2025. The explosion also injured the boy’s mother. Four staff members faced charges after the disaster. Tamela Peterson, 59, and Jeffrey Mosteller, 65, held top roles at the Oxford Center. Gary Marken, 66, and Aleta Moffitt, 61, were also involved in daily operations. They all faced serious accusations. Peterson and Mosteller were charged with second‑degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. Marken shared the same charges. Moffitt was accused of involuntary manslaughter and falsifying medical records because she was operating the chamber at the time.

Investigators say the team broke key safety rules. They failed to use grounding wrist straps, skipped steps in the chamber cycle count, and even put a blanket from a running dryer on the child. Polyester pillows were used instead of safer alternatives. On July 21, Mosteller entered a no‑contest plea for involuntary manslaughter. The murder charge was dropped. He will be sentenced on Aug. 31 at 8:30 a. m. Peterson is set for a court hearing on July 22 to discuss her motion. Marken and Moffitt will appear on July 27 for a pretrial hearing.

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